SUVA: Fiji's
National Trauma Recovery Team today pleaded with journalists
not to harass family members of the hostages for stories,
and to remain patient as they were under traumatic stress as
well.

The families needed time before the could openly
talk to the media, said Professor Tony Taylor.

The Fiji
and New Zealand governments have set up the team to offer
psychological and medical assistance to the hostages held by
gunmen in Parliament for more than a month.

The team
consists of health professionals specialising in "critical
incident stress management".

It is led by Father Makario
Waqanivalu, a Fijian Catholic studying at Columbia
University in the United States.

Included in the team are
Professor Taylor from New Zealand, an expert in trauma
cases, and Dr Epeli Nailatikau from the Ministry of Health's
National Trauma Recovery Team.

At a media conference
today, Prof Taylor said: "Let them open their hearts and
minds when they are ready. Don't pester them."

The team is
on "stand by" to attend to the hostages once they are
released, in what they refer to as a "de-briefing
exercise".

"The de-briefing will take about three-hours,"
said Prof Taylor. "We will attend to their mental, physical
and spiritual needs once they are released."

"The purpose
of this team is to conduct the de-briefing and stay on for
further help if needed."

The recovery team has also
visited the hostages, who have been confined to their
"temporary-made prison" inside the Parliament complex since
being seized at gunpoint on May 19.

Fr Makario described
the condition of the hostages as "traumatic."

"They are in
a traumatic situation. They are trying to cope as much as
possible," he said.

Meanwhile, talks continue today
between the interim military government and rebel leader
George Speight's group in trying to bring an end to the
political crisis.

Indications are that the hostages will
be released once the decree that will guarantee Speight and
his group amnesty for their illegal takeover of Parliament
is passed by the regime, and the "make-up" of the new
civilain government in acceptable to both
sides.

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